Mr LEO, Do I unload it or not?

[Desert Dude]

Reading a thread from the Concealed Carry category............................

If I an stopped by you for a routine traffic violation and advise you I have a concealed weapon, AND, you wish to see it, do you want it given to you loaded or unloaded?

Please, I am only concerned in what the LEO wishes. Thanks.

[AvidshooterTX]

I have been stopped a couple of times and informed the LEO. They never asked to see it. They just advised that it remain where it was and we would not have a problem. Both stops were very cordial. I got a ticket in one case and a warning in the other.

[Desert Dude]

I have been stopped a couple of times and informed the LEO. They never asked to see it. They just advised that it remain where it was and we would not have a problem. Both stops were very cordial. I got a ticket in one case and a warning in the other.

From what I have heard and read this seems to be the normal. I sure hope so. I think it would be difficult for both parties to have unloaded first. Thanks.

[svrivera]

interesting..

[Desert Dude]

interesting..

Yes, it is, and for several reasons.

The 'safety first' issue comes up of course. I would never think of handing a loaded firearm to anyone, even a LEO. However, if I unload it, at the LEO's direction, both of us have to be very careful, and the LEO would not be a happy camper if he got swept during the unloading.

Mr. LEO, can you chime in and shed some light on what REALLY goes down after you are notified?

[Red Hat]

The best thing to do is just follow the LEO's instructions. If he/she wants it unloaded chances are they will do it.

[kelcarry]

I think Red Hat has it right. Don't overthink this--just follow the LEO's instructions. If you want to make an issue over handing the firearm over in the first place in a state where there is no specific requirement, that is your decision. Personally I like to accomodate LEOs and not worry so much that I am losing all my rights--the LEO does not know you or anything about you and putting him at ease by following his instructions just seems to make the most sense particularly when we are talking about a loaded firearm in your possession that can kill an officer.

[aj's 40 cal]

just follow the commands that u are given and all will be ok. their job is hard enough on a day to day basis. they will inform you of what they want you to do. the norm is to just keep ur hands aways from it, place them where the leo can clearly see them, and leave it alone and u will be fine. just my honest opinion and advice from leo friends. also turning on ur inside the car lights at night is very helpful for when they are walking to your car at night. if they can see what ur doing and where your hands are you will be fine. hope this helps

[SasquatchisReal]

ANY LEO that knows what he is doing WILL NOT ASK YOU TO UNLOAD IT! most likely he will tell you to just leave it where it is, maybe keep your hands on the steering wheel would be a good idea too. think about it.... if you unload your gun it would be to make the LEO feel safer since you are disarmed right? how do you unload a gun without pulling it out of your holster and handling it right in front of the LEO? I'm bettin he WILL NOT ask you to unload it.

[Anthony_I_Am]

I've never been asked for my gun. The few times I've been stopped the cop usually just says "OK" when I tell him I am packing. Any cop ought to figure if you're gonna tell him your packing that you aren't a felon (he's gonna know when he runs your license); and or that you not a bad guy. If you were a BG 1) You wouldn't tell him and try to hope he doesn't find it or 2) You won't tell him and try to get the drop on him.
Either way, bad guys usually don't announce they are armed.